Women's Devotional Bible

The NIV Women's Devotional Bible is the Bible that I keep on my nightstand. No, it's not the only Bible I have. On the contrary, I have too many bibles to count. But, I prefer to keep this one by my bed so I can pick it up at bedtime or early in the morning if I want to read some quick verses or a devotion.

About the Bible:
The Women's Devotional Bible is the New International Version, which is one of three versions I prefer (the others being New American Standard and Revised Standard Version). [I'm not going to debate the different versions or contrast word-by-word versus phrase-by-phrase translations. I feel that what might have been missed by translation is more than made up for if you search the intent of the author and scriptures you happen to be reading.] Anyway, this Bible is the NIV in two-column format. The text is a good size in this Bible, and each chapter or subsection contains a title so you know what the passage is about just by glancing. At the bottom of some pages you will find a few definitions or maybe some clarifications of text. But, in this Bible you will not find cross-references, and there is no concordance. That's fine, though, there are many other bibles that contain that.

The Devotions
What you will find in this Bible that sets it apart from the rest are the daily devotions. Every couple of pages you find one, set apart in the text, that covers the text on that particular page, in that particular chapter. Starting with Genesis 1 with the first devotion, "A Self-Image in the Image of God," to the last one "Morning Star" on Revelation 22, these devotions will touch your heart. They are all written by women of faith such as Mother Theresa, Corrie ten Boom (author of The Hiding Place), Joni Eareckson Tada, and Ruth Bell Graham. The subjects covered are applicable for living in today's world as a Christian woman/woman of faith.

Each devotion contains a passage and verse for the day in addition to the devotion itself. The devotions are brief, but make their point and are just enough to encourage the reader. Additional Scripture readings are listed that apply to the subject of the devotion. You are also directed to the page containing the next devotional.

What Else?
The NIV Women's Devotional Bible contains a Reading Plan providing a basic structure to follow if you'd like to read the Bible through in one year. You will also find short biographies of the women that have written the devotions the Bible contains. A subject index completes this Bible, and, while not extensive, it is quite adequate.

Do I Recommend?
I recommend the Women's Devotional Bible for those interested in a devotional Bible. It's easy to follow, and you only have one book to keep up with - the Scripture and devotion are both right there! I also think this would make a great gift for other women of faith. However, I do not recommend this Bible for those interested in studying the Word. This is NOT a study Bible and is not much help, especially without a concordance. If you're looking for a study Bible, I recommend the NIV Study Bible or any of the Life Application Bibles.

Thanks for reading!